WHMIS stands for the "Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System". It is a system designed to reduce the risk from hazardous products in the workplace. It is governed by both Federal and Provincial Laws. Federal law (The Hazardous Products Act and The Controlled Products Regulations administered by Health Canada) require suppliers (including distributors and importers) to provide labels and material and safety data sheets (MSDS) with the WHMIS controlled products (substances that meet hazard criteria described in the above regulations) they sell to Canadian workplaces. The Health Canada WHMIS web site is designed to help suppliers meet their obligations under the federal law.

The Hazardous Products Act allows suppliers and employers to obtain an exemption to maintain the confidentiality of certain trade secret information (e.g. name of an ingredient or it's concentration). In such cases, an application must be made to the Hazardous Materials Information Review Commission (613) 993-4331 to be granted an exemption.

In Saskatchewan, WHMIS requirements  (Part XXII of The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 1996) place the responsibility on employers to ensure the health and safety of their workers who may be exposed to WHMIS controlled products. Employers must ensure their workers know about hazards of controlled products through a training program (see WHMIS Worker Training Requirements), product labeling, and readily accessible material safety data sheets (MSDS).

The Occupational Health and Safety Division publication," How to Determine What is a Controlled Product", helps employers and workers recognize controlled products. Products that burn readily, explode, produce toxic reactions, allergies, infectious diseases or dangerous reactions are likely to be controlled products. WHMIS classifications for many workplace chemicals can now be viewed on the internet at www.reptox.csst.qc.ca/ToEnglishUsers.htm. Check the labels and MSDS for hazard warnings.

For a full list of WHMIS Publications and Videos: